Accidents occur frequently when you least expect them to. The area rugs in your house are particularly well-suited for the messy aspects of life, whether the problem is a pet accident, children or adults dropping snacks, or someone dragging in the muck. While some stains will always be more difficult to remove, the sooner you address them and use area rugs cleaning, the greater your chances are of success.
Area Rugs Cleaning & Stain Removal
If in doubt, try a discrete area first to ensure the colors don’t run or the soap doesn’t leave stains on your carpets. Remove any solids from the mess first, such as food, vomit, and the like. Next, blot the stain and squeeze out as much liquid as you can with a fresh towel.
Apply a gentle dish soap or laundry detergent solution diluted in warm water using a cloth. To soak the stain, use just enough of the mixture. However, avoid overwetting the area since this increases the chance of mold or mildew growth and can spread the stain. After rinsing the soap off with warm water, gently dab the stain until it disappears. Please be patient, as this may require multiple passes. Resist the impulse to scrub; the best technique to prevent harming fibers is to blot while applying pressure.
Use an enzymatic stain remover for stains that are difficult to remove. Just make sure to confirm that it is safe for the material of your rug, or test a tiny section of it beforehand and according to the directions on the container. Usually, this procedure entails letting the substance soak for a few minutes before scrubbing the stain again with a gentle brush or a damp cloth.
Make sure the area dries completely once the stain has been removed to prevent mildew from growing. Use a fan or “cold” hair dryer if necessary. Mold can grow as a result of improper drying, particularly on natural fibers like cotton and wool. Additionally, an extended period of dampness on the rug may harm the floor beneath it. Consequently, it is crucial to let it completely dry after area rugs cleaning.
Area Rugs Cleaning & Maintenance
Vacuuming your rug on a regular basis and taking care of spills early on will help it last longer. Vacuuming a rug should ideally be done once a week, but this will depend on your lifestyle, dogs, children, and other factors. Depending on where they are and how dirty they get, flatweave rugs that fit in the machine should be washed two or three times a year. It is advised to rotate rugs and turn flatwoven rugs to use the opposite side in order to prolong the time between washings and prevent worn patches.
Final Words
If the color of your rug seems faded and gray, it is time to clean it. Run a moist white cloth over a vacuumed rug; if the rag comes out dirty, it is usually time to bath the rug. Not all rugs, particularly those that are thick, extra-large, antique, or heirloom-quality, can be cleaned at home. Therefore, it is critical to learn as much as you can about the material of your rug and the kind of maintenance it requires to avoid unintentionally introducing mildew problems.
There is always a chance of damage when washing a whole rug at home. Always refer to the care instructions, which may be found on the manufacturer’s website or on a tag that is still attached, in order to do things safely. For this purpose, you can also get in touch with local specialists. Generally speaking, thicker or more expensive rugs are dangerous to DIY; use caution or call an expert for area rugs cleaning.